RI & MA Drug & Narcotics Defense Attorney

What are Drug & Narcotics Offenses?

Drug and Narcotics Offenses are prosecuted at state and federal courts across the country. The war on drugs is never-ending. Accordingly, the government continues to step up its investigation and prosecution of drug offenders. Tools of these investigations include visual surveillance, undercover officers posing as drug dealers and/or customers, confidential informants, motor vehicle stops and searches, wiretapped phones communications, cellphone call and text message history, cellular site data, search warrants, internet surveillance, pole cameras, drug detection dogs, GPS physical tracking and location and more. Because of the increasingly sophisticated investigation methods used to fight drug trafficking, criminal drug prosecutions are at staggeringly high numbers. Similarly, successfully defending against drug prosecutions is more complex than even and requires very experienced legal counsel.

Individuals involved in drug dealing are targeted and prosecuted by the government at all levels. This begins with international criminal organizations responsible for bringing drugs or narcotics into the United States, large national level suppliers or traffickers operating within our borders, regional level suppliers, state and city-wide dealers, mid-level dealers, street level dealers, and even end users. Law enforcement often takes a top-down approach to drug interdiction by coordinating their investigations among local, state and federal authorities to target and apprehend individuals at top levels of drug trafficking networks and organizations. Alternatively, the bottom-up approach is also widely used. This approach targets drug users and low-level dealers who, after being arrested, may be turned into informants who lead police to their higher-level dealers further up the drug supply chain.

Criminal charges and related sentences for drug offenses are dependent upon the type of drug(s) and quantity involved. For instance, possessing small quantities of less serious drugs such as marijuana are misdemeanor offenses. In some jurisdictions, possessing up to one ounce or less of marijuana is only considered a civil or non-criminal violation. Alternatively, drugs offenses involving cocaine, heroin and/or fentanyl, regardless of quantity, and larger quantities of marijuana or illegal prescription medications are felonies. Felony drug offenses are often tied to mandatory minimum jail sentences for convicted offenders.

Being charged with a Drug or Narcotics Offense may have serious collateral consequences. These may include denial of public housing, financial aid to attend school, the ability to serve in the military or armed forces, various employment opportunities and in some states, a license to operate a motor vehicle. If an offender has children, a Drug or Narcotics Offense charge may also implicate state agencies such as the Department of Child Services (DCS) or Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). These agencies may initiate independent investigations to consider the welfare of a child or children who may have been exposed to a parent who is either abusing or dealing illegal drugs. This could lead to the removal of a child or children from the household or limiting or restricting parental rights. A Drug or Narcotics Offense of any type is a serious matter. Therefore, if you have been charged with a Drug or Narcotics Offense, it is important to seek legal representation immediately in order to protect your rights and minimize the impact that a charge of his nature may have on your life.

If you have been charged with drug or narcotics offense and need representation, contact the RI defense attorneys at Law Office of John L. Calcagni III by email or call today at (401) 351-5100 to schedule a free consultation.

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Reviews

John Calcagni is the best of the best. I retained him multiple times to represent me in various military matters, to include administrative separation. John is an expert in his field. He is knowledge, professional, caring and aggressive. He has obtained nothing but top results and success on my behalf. I recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation. If you want the number one lawyer in your corner, John is your man.

Andrew Michaud

13:21 21 Sep 18

I had the pleasure of working with John and his team this past year and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. John and his team were professional, courteous and most of all incredibly effective. If I ever need legal services again I will definitely engage John Calcagni and his outstanding team again.

MARY DEBELLO

18:23 11 Sep 18

I highly recommend John Calcagni and his team. My daughter attends college in RI and we live in NY. She found herself in trouble and was arrested on a Disorderly Conduct matter. Our good friend is an attorney in NY and when we realized he could not represent us in RI he found a colleague who highly recommended John. From the first conversation with John, who responded to my initial message immediately, I knew we would be in good hands. He answered all questions and explained the process in as much detail as needed. He was very confident that he would get the charges dismissed. He worked closely with my daughter (his client) while keeping in touch with us, the parents. John was always attainable to us via email, text or phone call and took his time to be sure we understood each step of the case. John delivered the outcome he promised and exactly what we were looking for, we couldn't be more pleased. I would not hesitate to recommend him and (god forbid) I need assistance with the law in RI again, he would be the first call I make!! Thanks John for everything you did for our daughter!!! Mary and Wayne DeBello

Jen Marie

22:33 23 Jun 18

I don’t know where to begin! When I first met with John, I immediately felt like I was in good hands. He is charismatic, funny and really takes the time to get to know you and get a feel for your case. He was very detail oriented and thorough and worked with me for almost two years. Through this exhausting and stressful process, he made me feel comfortable and made sure I understood what was going on every step of the way. I am so thankful I went with John and would absolutely, without a doubt recommend him to anyone who needs help.

John Madden

18:11 05 Sep 18

I'm an active duty soldier and I got a DUI. I deserved the penalties and reprimands but I did not deserve to loose everything. When I was notified that I would be facing a QMP board for separation I knew I had to do all I could to fight back against it for myself and for my family. I am extremely grateful for John and his team. I had no idea about the list of standards I was up against that the board would use to determine weather or not I could keep my job and continue to support my family. Mr. Calcagni systematically itemized and proved beyond a doubt that I met and or exceeded each standard giving the board a clear picture that I still hold value to the Army. He took my personal side and my professional side along with all the legal points and drafted a rebuttal that saved my career. Had I attempted to go against the board on my own I would have surely been denied. Not because I deserved it, but because it is a battle that soldiers are not equipped to deal with on their own and the Army provides zero support. It's terrifying to think back about all that I was up against that I didn't even know about. John and his team come highly recommended and I can't thank them enough for leveling the playing field and placing the control of my career back into my hands. My family and I are forever grateful.

Mr. Calcagni is an absolute LIFE SAVER!!! He is genuinely one of the most intelligent people I have ever met in my life! He masterfully saved my husband's naval career TWICE when we thought all hope was lost at a command where bias and dishonesty rule. My husband and I are forever in his debt and there is not enough we could do or say to show our gratitude. He has a big heart and he fought hard for our family. We would recommend him a thousand times over!!!!